Judge Orders Arrest of Adeyemi in Fake Agency Case

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the arrest of Adeniyi Adeyemi. This happened on Tuesday after he did not show up for his arraignment on charges linked to the fake Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

Judge Mohammed Umar gave the order after the prosecution made an oral application for the arrest.

The judge dismissed Mr Adeyemi’s lawyer's excuse for his absence and proceeded to issue the arrest order.

The defence lawyer argued that his client was not in court because he feared for his life. He also mentioned that Mr Adeyemi had written a letter to President Bola Tinubu about his fears.

The lawyer added that Mr Adeyemi wanted to stay alive to face his trial. But Judge Umar was not convinced. He told the lawyer that the court would “help him to be alive.”

The judge then issued a bench warrant for Mr Adeyemi’s arrest. He also set 30 September as the new date for the arraignment.

Mr Adeyemi is facing eight charges related to his role in the PFIPC, an agency that the Presidency has confirmed does not exist. This case has seen several adjournments before the latest hearing.

PREMIUM TIMES reported earlier that by midday, Mr Adeyemi, who missed earlier court sessions due to health issues, had still not arrived at the courtroom. The judge started the day’s sitting shortly after 10 a.m.

Mr Adeyemi’s case was listed as number 12 on the court’s list. Though no specific time was set for the hearing, defendants in criminal cases are expected to be present before the court proceedings begin.

Charges

The Nigerian government, through the Nigeria Police Force, filed an eight-count charge against Mr Adeyemi on 27 November last year. The charges include conspiracy, forgery, and impersonation.

In counts one, two, three, four, six, seven, and eight, the prosecution, led by Wisdom Madaki, accused Mr Adeyemi and two others, identified as Femi and Anu, who are still at large, of conspiracy and forgery involving several official documents.

These documents include a fake presidential appointment letter, State House letterheads, a supposed approval for the take-off of the PFIPC, requests for approval of staff accounts, requests for office space, and letters seeking collaboration with a federal ministry.

In count five, the prosecution claimed that Mr Adeyemi falsely claimed to be the Director-General of the PFIPC. This is a serious offence punishable under Section 179 of the Penal Code.

If convicted, Mr Adeyemi could face up to 21 years in prison without the option of a fine for the forgery-related charges. The impersonation charge could lead to a maximum sentence of three years or a fine.

Details shortly…